The mellow magic of autumn in the South Downs National Park
“Her pleasure in the walk must arise from the exercise and the day, from the view of the last smiles of the year upon the tawny leaves and withered hedges”
Powerful words from the great Jane Austen, who loved autumn walks in the South Downs countryside around Chawton, often covering five miles a day or so.
For Austen, autumn was a time of profound reflection, imagination and beauty.
And, with natural beauty in mind, we’re expecting one of the most flamboyant displays of colour for many a year in the South Downs National Park over the coming weeks.
Bright reds, orange and gold colours will soon start to appear and, according to Forestry England, the tree display will be even more vibrant than usual this year.
Very warm and sunny weather over the summer means that trees have produced more sugar in their leaves, transforming them into brighter colours.
It’s also a time when wildlife is busy – readying itself for the chillier months and some spectacular displays in the skies as birds flock en masse to colder or warmer climes.
To celebrate the start of autumn, the National Park is sharing some of the most breathtaking autumnal images from over a decade of South Downs photo competitions, as well as offering some ideas for days-out.
The theme for this year’s photo competition – which has a top prize of £250 – is “Three cheers for 15 years: South Downs favourites” and we’re asking people to share some of their most cherished spots in the National Park.
Carlotta Luke, a Lewes-based photographer and one of this year’s judges, said: “Autumn is a great time of year to head out into the South Downs National Park to photograph.
“Now that the seasons are turning, the quality of light will be changing as well. We’ll be getting cooler misty mornings and soft, raking afternoon sunlight. Your favourite places may even be starting to sport some beautiful autumn foliage.
“Go out there with your camera and have fun!”
Here is some inspiration for a great autumn day-out in your National Park.
A family photography day
There are so many little facets of nature to capture on camera during the autumn months – the weird and wonderful fungi, the warm hues of the foliage, pumpkin patches, wildlife preparing to hibernate, and the mellow fruits of the season.
The golden hour is particularly special. The soft light during sunrise and sunset really does bring an extra dimension to the South Downs landscape, enhancing the rich colours and contours.
Why not combine a lovely autumn walk with some photography all the family can get involved in? Our youth photo competition is still open until 31 October with some amazing prizes, including a family ticket to Marwell Wildlife and a GoApe adventure for two.
You could focus on macrophotography of leaves and lichens, broaden it out to show woodland scenes in dappled sunlight, right up to expansive, panoramic photography of the rolling landscape. Or how about capturing a mesmerising murmuration on camera? There are so many options! Find out all the details for our photo competition www.southdowns.gov.uk/care-for/photo-comp/
Search for some spooky surprises
With humans inhabiting the South Downs for five millennia, it’s a swirling cauldron of myths, legends, folklore and ghost stories.
There are a few spots that are particularly spooky. Chanctonbury Ring, Devil’s Dyke, Racton Ruins, the Devil’s Humps of Kingley Vale – all are wrapped up in stories of mystery and intrigue. Add a morning mist, or an evening fog, and you have the perfect recipe for spookiness!
There’s an action-packed line-up of Halloween-inspired events throughout October at various venues across the National Park. The Weald and Downland Museum, at Singleton, is hosting a range of exciting activities for All Hallow’s Eve, including ghostly storytelling, “mystics in the woods” and a chance to learn about “plague potions”. Petersfield Museum & Art Gallery will be hosting some ghost walks to show people the grizzlier side of the market town. There’ll be a special “Shriek Week” at Drusillas, near Alfriston, while Amberley Museum will have a pumpkin trail and broomstick-making activities around the grounds. Just outside the National Park will be a spooktacular evening under the stars at Saltdean Lido as the vampirish classic “The Lost Boys” is screened in an outdoor cinema.
The National Park’s Heathlands team are putting on two bookable guided walks during the autumn months. On 18 October is a “Fabulous Fungi” walk with expert Daniel Greenwood and on 28 October is a special “Biofluorescence Night Walk” to discover things that glow bright at night.
Try a Miles Without Stiles walk
Miles Without Stiles are routes that are suitable for people with limited mobility. Wheelchair users, families with pushchairs, dog walkers and less agile walkers can choose from a list of routes from across the South Downs.
Whether it’s a cosy coastal view you’re after, or an enchanting forest, there’s something for everyone:
- Bramber Routes
- Ditchling Beacon and the Chattri
- Iping and Stedham Commons
- Seaford Head routes
- Seven Sisters routes
- Mill Hill route
- West Walk, Forest of Bere
Embrace the darkness!
With the nights drawing in, autumn is a wonderful time to connect with nature on its grandest scale – the universe itself. Just check the weather forecast, pack some warm blankets and a hot drink, and head to one of the National Park’s 10 Dark Sky Discovery Sites. You’ll be amazed at how many stars you can see with the naked eye – just make sure you pick a clear night!
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not have a go at astrophotography? The National Park’s astrophotography competition will launch in November and you could win up to £250 for an out-of-this-world image! This year we’re going bigger than ever to mark the National Park’s 10th anniversary as an International Dark Sky Reserve. Watch this space!
Forest bathing
We’re coming to the latter stages of a long year and all the rushing around to get things done (don’t even mention Christmas yet!) and the pressure of family and work commitments are enough to make anyone feel a bit stressed! Why not enjoy a few hours of serenity by exploring one of the South Downs’ many woods and forests?
Studies have found that “forest bathing” (Shinrin-yoku) has positive physiological effects, such as blood pressure reduction, improved immune systems, as well as alleviating depression and anxiety.
Simply switch off your devices and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells and feels of woodland nature. Here are some more tips for forest bathing: https://www.forestryengland.uk/blog/forest-bathing
Around a quarter of the South Downs National Park is covered by woodland, so there are some amazing, accessible treescapes in which to immerse yourself, including Friston Forest, Stansted Forest, West Walk, Ashford Hangers and Alice Holt.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park, near Waterloville, will be offering some forest bathing sessions this October and November for people to try out the ancient practice.
For more walking ideas this autumn check out the National Park’s walking hub: www.southdowns.gov.uk/south-downs-walks/
Main feature image by Emma Varley